Sugar Ray & The Bluetones - Blues From Sibculo

Album: Blues From Sibculo
Size: 94,1 MB
Time: 40:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2025
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Front

1. No More Chances (3:00)
2. High And Lonesome (4:08)
3. Mean Old World (5:35)
4. Blind Date (5:14)
5. Bloodstains On The Wall (3:27)
6. Dream Girl (3:28)
7. Rusty Nail (3:58)
8. I'm Holding On (3:16)
9. You Got Me Wrong (4:00)
10. Wait And Watch (4:23)

In April 2025, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones descended on Sibculo, The Netherlands, where they spent three days recording at the Natural Records studio. The album was recorded entirely live, without overdubs - just four seasoned musicians who, with all their simplicity, let the blues breathe as it was meant to. The result is “Blues From Sibculo”: a warm, raw, and honest album, steeped in decades of experience and pure playing.

Sugar Ray’s warm vocals and captivating harmonica form the heart of the record, supported by Rusty Zinn’s sparkling guitar lines, Michael “Mudcat” Ward’s deep bass, and Neil Gouvin’s smooth swing on drums. “Blues From Sibculo” feels like being in the studio yourself: intimate, powerful, and unadulteratedly real. A timeless recording that captures the magic of the blues in its purest form.

Singer, harp man and three time Grammy Nominee Sugar Ray Norcia’s career kicked into high gear in 1979 when he formed the original Sugar Ray and the Bluetones with guitar giant Ronnie Earl and it has stayed there ever since. Norcia has received a total of twentytwo Blues Music Award Nominations including winning two Blues Music Awards in 2014 and has appeared on over sixty albums.

In 2012 Ray was inducted into Rhode Island’s Music Hall of Fame. In 2016 Sugar Ray and his band The Bluetones released a CD called “Seeing Is Believing”. Sugar Ray was nominated for an unprecedented seven 2017 Blues Music Awards including Traditional Blues Male Artist and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. /Bluestown Music

Personnel: Sugar Ray Norcia (vocals, harmonica); Rusty Zinn (guitar); Michael “Mudcat” Ward (bass); Neil Gouvin (drums).

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Sugar Ray & The Bluetones Feat. Little Charlie - Too Far From The Bar

Album: Too Far From The Bar
Size: 148,3 MB
Time: 63:55
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2020
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Full

1. Don't Give No More Than You Can Take (4:35)
2. Bluebird Blues (3:23)
3. Too Far From The Bar (2:44)
4. Too Little Too Late (4:26)
5. Reel Burner (3:07)
6. Can't Hold Out (4:45)
7. Numb And Dumb (4:39)
8. My Next Door Neighbor (2:14)
9. What I Put You Through (4:26)
10. What Will Become Of Me (7:12)
11. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues (4:24)
12. From The Horses Mouth (3:18)
13. The Night I Got Pulled Over (5:56)
14. Walk Me Home (5:59)
15. Reel Burner (Alt. Take) (2:39)

Sugar Ray and the Bluetones featuring Little Charlie Baty take fans of top-shelf blues on a rocket ride on the group’s new effort Too Far From The Bar. Produced by Roomful of Blues founder and legendary guitarist/vocalist Duke Robillard, Too Far From The Bar captures vocal and harmonica ace Sugar Ray Norcia getting sweet and lowdown with a muscled-up band comprised of Little Charlie Baty (guitar), Anthony Geraci (piano), Michael Mudcat Ward (acoustic bass), and Neil Gouvin (drums). Robillard even sits in on four songs, which makes this already-extraordinary record that much cooler.

Too Far From The Bar contains some of the last recordings of beloved guitar star Little Charlie Baty, who passed away unexpectedly in March 2020. Baty was a deep, multifaceted, and spectacularly talented guitarist who, along with frontman Rick Estrin, made his bones in the eternally-popular blues band Little Charlie and the Nightcats. Baty forged a high-energy playing style based in blues, jazz, surf music, swing, and anything else he ever heard that was known as one of the most compelling and overwhelming sounds in the blues business. Putting him and Robillard together with top guns like Norcia, Geraci, Ward, and Gouvin was a genius move that resulted in one of the mightiest blues records put down in the modern era. “Little Charlie was so excited about this project and what a thrill it was to record together,” Sugar Ray said about the sessions.

Sugar Ray gets his party started with a flat-out jumping rendition of The 5 Royales’ “Don’t Give No More Than You Can Take,” a dance-inducing shuffle that’s all taste, tone, and class. Ward and Gouvin groove like a house on fire on bass and drums and create a pocket that lets Norcia, Baty, and Geraci burn it on down to the ground. All of these players have this vintage blues dialect on lockdown and it’s a treat to hear them letting it fly. Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Bluebird Blues” follows and keeps the righteous vibes pumping. Norcia tears into his harp with the fervor of a brimstone preacher while the band lights up behind him. The cut is a big dose of mid-20th Century magic that’ll remind you of why you started buying blues albums in the first place.

The title track, “Too Far From The Bar,” is an uptempo jump blues and Norcia original that revs everyone playing up to their maximum horsepower. Little Charlie demonstrates why he’s already missed so badly, turning in lead and rhythm guitar performances that display his unequalled touch and skills. Geraci spanks his piano like it owes him money while Sugar Ray holds this epic drinking song together from the lead vocal position. The track is so hot you might need new speakers after it smokes on through. The instrumental “Reel Burner” is Sugar Ray Norcia’s harmonica showcase and he works every nook and cranny of this intensely-swinging track. His vocabulary is seemingly endless and his energy never falters. The band keeps it cooking and, for a moment, all’s right with the world.

An alternate take of “Reel Burner” closes the record and is just as much fun as the first one. Other highlights on the album include Jerry McCain’s “My Next Door Neighbor,” Otis Spann’s “What Will Become Of Me,” and Anthony Geraci’s rocking “From The Horse’s Mouth.” Too Far From The Bar is an all-night bash from end to end and its greatness is undeniable. Get all over it and stay there. /Mike O'Cull, Rock & Blues Muse

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Little Anthony & Sugar Ray - Take It From Me

Size: 128.5 MB
Time: 55:10
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1994
Styles: Piano Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Full

01. Take It From Me (4:41)
02. Girl From Idaho (3:17)
03. Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide (5:49)
04. Look Like Twins (5:25)
05. Ja-To-Mi (2:12)
06. Dark Road (5:51)
07. Must Have Been The Devil (3:15)
08. Worried Life Blues (4:23)
09. Runnin' Around (2:43)
10. Hard Hearted Woman (4:45)
11. Let Me Live (3:56)
12. Danger Zone (8:47)

Personnel:
Piano – Little Anthony Geraci
Vocals, Harmonica – Sugar Ray Norcia

As I'm Sitting in the House of Blues on this cold winter Monday with English blues giant Otis Grand, drummer Neil Gouvin and west coast singer Curtis Salgado, Curtis is suggesting that I should not write generic liner notes. Well, there's nothing generic about Anthony and Sugar Ray! Ever since their early days together with Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, through their later work with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, Sugar Ray Norcia and Little Anthony Geraci have shared a special musical chemistry that has kept their blues vital and fresh.

So sit back, enjoy this album, and welcome these gentlemen into our homes. Anthony and Ray, you don't just play the blues, you are the blues! ~Geeorge Lewis

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Otis Grand - Hipster Blues

Size: 157,3 MB
Time: 68:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2006
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Full

01. Three Time Loser (Feat. Reuben Richards) (4:13)
02. Slo-Mo-Shun (3:44)
03. I'm Glad To Go (Feat. Curtis Salgado) (4:05)
04. Never Raise My Hand (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia) (6:51)
05. Overdrive (3:52)
06. Mooki Sooki (Sleepwalk) (4:00)
07. Every Girl I See (Feat. George Bisharat) (6:08)
08. Satan's Blues (8:17)
09. Nutcracker Rock (3:12)
10. Gordon's Complaint (Feat. Serena Franklin) (3:46)
11. Hipster Blues No.5 (5:22)
12. Guitar Lovin' Blues (Feat. Jimmy Thomas) (6:41)
13. The Memphis Push (5:34)
14. Sad Blues (For Peter Green) (2:26)

This album was a long time in the making. And it's worth the wait! Recorded with a stellar band, this set mixes the greatest blues, r&b and jazz sounds from the 1950s and '60s to a rocking unit. Otis Grand loves to play. At spots he sounds like a turbo-powered Freddie King. Excellent. Imagine a mix of Federal style blues instrumentals, augmented by Hammond B-3 sounds from the Prestige label and the cool Blue Note jazz grooves. Grand sounds wild and mean. A beautiful record. Highly recommended to all lovers of great guitar playing. One of my recent favorites. OTIS GRAND - gtrs, JOHNNY HENDERSON - B-3, ANTHONY GERACI - pno/B-3, BRUCE KATZ - pno, MICHAEL 'MUDCAT' WARD - bass, NEIL GOUVIN - drums, KEVIN HAYES - drums, plus horns. Special guest vocalists: JIMMY THOMAS, 'SUGAR' RAY NORCIA, CURTIS SALGADO, etc.

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Sugar Ray & The Bluetones - Evening

Size: 135,3 MB
Time: 58:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Electric Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Full

01. I'm Having A Ball (4:51)
02. Hard To Get Along With (3:58)
03. You Know My Love (6:52)
04. Dear John (4:35)
05. I Like What You Got (3:19)
06. Too Many Rules And Regulations (6:40)
07. Dancing Bear (Little Indian Boy) (4:25)
08. Evening (5:57)
09. I Came Down With The Blues (4:29)
10. (That's Not Yet) One Of My Blues (3:57)
11. I'm Certain That I'm Hurting (4:23)
12. Xo (4:29)

What's a Connecticut Yankee to do when your father's a voice teacher and your mothers a jazz singer? Well, you become a monster with a blues harp, and one of the baddest blues singers on the planet of course!

From a high school blues band caller Linseed Sam and the Oilers to seven fruitful years fronting Roomful of Blues, with stops in between sharing stages with the likes of Pinetop Perkins, Ronnie Earl, Otis Grand, Big Walter Horton, Ann Peebles, Duke Robillard and Sax Gordon. And side trips for Grammy nominations with harp legends James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite and Bill Branch - Superharps, "Best Traditional Blues" 1999. Sugar Ray Norcia is now back with his band, The Bluetones and still touring the world.

Sugar Ray & the Bluetones - Evening brings the band back into the studio, "Monster" Mike Welch - Guitar, Neil Gouvin - drums, the killer bassist Michael "Mudcat" Ward and Anthony Geraci on piano, led by Sugar Ray of course, have cut an album in the old fashioned way. It has a live feel and it's obvious that the band is so comfortable together that most cuts were done with no charts, and in one take.

What an album it is, consisting of mostly originals but stopping to visit some old favorites. Opening the set is a great cover of Johnny Young's I'm having A Ball. The Willie Dixon tune, made famous by Otis Rush, You Know My Love is a favorite in concerts. And the blues ballad treatment of the title track, Evening by the great Song Writer Hall Of Fame duo of Mitchell Parish and Harry White may just be the highlight of the album, Rays voice is a slow grinding caress, and `Monster' Mike plays some guitar for the ages on this soulful tune, but... it's the great original blues tunes that keep drawing the crowds in Europe and America whenever Sugar Ray shows up. Songs like the slow talking blues, Too Many Rules and Regulations - maybe my favorite tune, it's a playful and comedic take on getting' old in todays world. The piano is just so sweet on this one. And then there is country blues, Dear John, soaked in reverb and a guitar hook that holds the line as Sugar Ray preaches the blues on the harp.

I Like What You Got will take you back to the `50s blues rockers and `Monster Mike' earns his moniker on that telecaster guitar. There's a tune that closes out the album, XO, is an instrumental that not only gives you am hug and a kiss to send you home, but allows the band to really shine and show off just how tight, together they are. ~Rockin' Chicago Blues

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Sugar Ray & The Bluetones - Sugar Ray & The Bluetones (Feat. Monster Mike Welch)

Size: 135,7 MB
Time: 57:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2003
Styles: Electric Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Full

01. I Believe (4:03)
02. Get Over Me (4:16)
03. And The Angels Sing (2:54)
04. Love And Trouble (5:08)
05. Feeling Blue (4:12)
06. Tell Me Whats Going On (3:58)
07. Burial Season (5:25)
08. Why The Sun Sets Red And Low (2:21)
09. I Asked My Baby (4:47)
10. Funk-Shun (6:55)
11. Linda Lou (4:53)
12. Tomorrow Morning (4:19)
13. From Now On This Morning (11 September) (4:32)

Sugar Ray Norcia has a burnished and warm quality to his voice that's ideally suited to the laid-back and rockin' blues featured on Sugar Ray & the Bluetones Featuring Monster Mike Welch. In fact, the whole band sounds steeped in Hennessy and tradition. This includes guest Welch, whose work on his mid-tempo original "Get Over Me" proves how close he is to matching the quality of B.B. King and Jimmie Vaughan. As a whole, the album is a tasty affair moving deftly from interesting standards such as the Norcia harmonica-driven "And the Angels Sing" to the torrid balladry of "Love and Trouble." This is easily one of Sugar Ray's best efforts. ~Matt Collar

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Sugar Ray & The Bluetones - Rockin' Sugar Daddy

Size: 120,7 MB
Time: 51:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2001
Styles: Harmonica Blues, Rockin' Blues
Art: Full

01. Rockin' Sugar Daddy (3:23)
02. I Got Love If You Want It (3:29)
03. She's Blued And Broken (3:34)
04. Call Me Lonesome (2:41)
05. Room 531 (5:54)
06. The Picture (4:08)
07. It's My Life, Baby (6:52)
08. Off The Wall (2:54)
09. Lonesome Cabin (5:07)
10. Warm Hearted Woman (2:59)
11. You Can't Be The One For Me (4:12)
12. Low Down Lady (4:10)
13. Walk Hand In Hand (1:57)

Kim Wilson-styled vocalist/harmonica player and songwriter Sugar Ray Norcia edges toward Fabulous Thunderbirds territory on his fourth album with his Bluetones band (and first after ending his nearly seven-year tenure with Roomful of Blues). Former T-Bird guitarist Kid Bangham is also on hand to further cement the connection, and with this album's stripped-down sound and tougher R&B approach, it's a ringer for a new release from Austin's favorite blues band. There are differences of course: Ray's band is less pounding and more subtle and swampy in their approach to blues and R&B. His harp work isn't as overdriven as Wilson's and his phrasing remains understated while distinctive in its grits-and-honey delivery, even on the album's most charging tracks. Still, anyone who is a fan of either the Fabulous Thunderbirds or Roomful's more rocking/bluesy side will certainly be attracted to this release. Covers from the catalogs of Slim Harpo ("I Got Love if You Want It"), Little Walter ("Off the Wall"), and Bobby "Blue" Bland (a sizzling, seven-minute "It's My Life, Baby") pepper the predominantly original tunes, which slot somewhere between slinky Texas and rugged Chicago blues infused with classic urban R&B. Ray, whose harp talents were underutilized in the horn-heavy Roomful, makes up for lost time by soloing on almost every track, and Kid Bangham's guitar swings and stings without overshadowing the headliner's work. A deeply soulful and honest album whose understated attack and ensemble playing is more powerful than louder blues bands who substitute volume for passion. ~Hal Horowitz

Rockin' Sugar Daddy

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Sugar Ray & The Bluetones - Don't Stand In My Way

Size: 112,7 MB
Time: 47:36
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1991
Styles: Electric Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Full

01. Your Red Wagon (3:01)
02. Don't Stand In My Way (4:12)
03. Moment Of Passion (5:22)
04. Take It Easy (3:41)
05. Fast Boogie (2:41)
06. Mudcat's Blues (3:50)
07. The Arsonist (5:38)
08. One Moment's Ecstasy (3:28)
09. F. Lee Bailey Blues (5:26)
10. Lasting Love (3:20)
11. The Helmut (Bluetone March) (3:09)
12. Story Of My Life (3:43)

Rhode Island's Sugar Ray Norcia is one of the most dedicated and soulful bluesmen around. This is the first album to showcase Sugar Ray's singing and harp-playing. Sugar Ray's previous band, the Bluetones, was virtually a graduate schools for blues guitarists -- among the alumni was Ronnie Earl and Kid Bangham. The latter (heard here) left Sugar Ray to join the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Since recording this album, Sugar Ray has gone on to become lead vocalist for Roomful of Blues.

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Paul Gabriel - Man Of Many Blues (Feat. Duke Robillard, Christine Ohlman & Sugar Ray Norcia)

Size: 152,8 MB
Time: 65:45
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front

01. I Feel Good (4:32)
02. Maybe We Can Talk Awhile (4:27)
03. Cold, Cold, Cold (6:06)
04. It Be That Way Sometimes (6:10)
05. No Finance, No Romance (5:08)
06. Blues For Georgia (4:48)
07. Second Story Man (3:54)
08. Man Of Many Blues (5:10)
09. Face Full Of Frown (3:34)
10. On That Train (4:51)
11. Just A Bitterness (6:03)
12. Angel (5:23)
13. Dear John Letter (5:33)

“This is one of the most special recordings I have ever done,” Gabriel says about the new album. “It’s being dedicated to my dear friend, Georgia Louis, the great 1960s Gospel and Blues singer; and it’s also special in that this is my sophomore recording with Duke Robillard producing.”

Man of Many Blues contains 13 all-original songs featuring Gabriel backed by an all-star cast of musicians, including Duke Robillard (acoustic archtop guitar, electric guitar); Scott Spray (a veteran of both Edgar and Johnny Winter bands), long-time Gabriel friend and band member Frank Davis and Paul Opalach (bass); Mark Teixeira (drums); Sugar Ray Norcia (harmonica); Bruce Bears (piano and Hammond organ; Lonnie Gasperini (Hammond organ); Howard Eldridge (vocals); Christine Ohlman (backing vocals); Mark Earley (tenor and baritone sax); and Doug James (baritone sax).

“One of the most interesting things for me while recording this record,” Gabriel remembers, “was using a very special Les Paul Guitar and Fender Super Reverb Amp exclusively that delivers a very inspiring tone, (in my opinion) somewhat reminiscent of the late Michael Bloomfield, my favorite guitarist.”

Both Bruce Bears and Mark Texeira are long-time members of the Duke Robillard Band. “Many other special musical guests appear on the album, as well,” adds Gabriel, “ including vocalist Howard Eldridge, an alumni of Matt 'Guitar' Murphy and The Blues Brothers Band; Mark Earley from Roomful of Blues; and Doug James from Roomful and The Jimmie Vaughan Band. Sugar Ray Norcia supplied magnificent harmonica, and the Beehive Queen, herself, Christine Ohlman delivered soulful backing vocals.

About Paul Gabriel:
Paul Gabriel is a Blues Music Award-nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter. In March, 2018, Gabriel was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Blues Society for excellence in guitar playing, singing and songwriting; and in July of that year, he was also inducted into the Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame as a Master Blues Artist.

Over the years, he has shared the stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Muddy Waters Band, Mick Taylor, James Cotton, Robert Cray, Jaimoe, Gatemouth Brown, Buckwheat Zydeco, Matt Murphy, Johnny Winter, Delbert McClinton, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Earl, Toy Caldwell, Roomful Of Blues, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Band, Lonnie Mack, Sugar Ray and The Bluetones, Mark Naftalin, Arthur Neilson, Shemekia Copeland, Bonnie Bramlett, Susan Tedeschi, Christine Ohlman, Sue Foley, Debbie Davies, Candye Kane, Tommy Castro, Joe Bonamassa, James Montgomery, Gov't Mule, Orleans, Tower Of Power, Rick Derringer, Issac Hayes and many more.

He appeared on three Harry Chapin albums, played slide guitar on Rory Block’s Grammy- nominated album, Mama’s Blues, and toured with Michael Bolotin (Bolton). His last release, Paul Gabriel - What’s The Chance, was produced by Duke Robillard for Shining Stone Records and was nominated for a Blues Music Award in 2014. It charted on The Roots Music Report (for 22 week)s, plus the Living Blues, Blues Debut and Cashbox charts, reaching #8 nationally.

While almost always performing with a blues band under his own name, Gabriel has also been a member of several other groups that have made an impact; most notably Blue In The Face, The Mojomatics and HooDoo Band.

Man Of Many Blues

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Otis Grand, Debbie Davies, Anson Funderburgh - Grand Union

Size: 161.0 MB
Time: 68:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1998
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Soul
Art: Front & Back

01. Guitars On Fire (2:12)
02. There Was A Time (3:55)
03. Holding You Up For Love (6:11)
04. The Things I'd Do For You (5:07)
05. Bone Tones (6:55)
06. I Got Eyes (3:43)
07. Don't Talk About Me (5:33)
08. Westside Bossman (4:43)
09. TC Blues (7:36)
10. Rockin' Daddy (4:50)
11. Country Girl (6:55)
12. It's A Little Too Late (5:48)
13. The Big Prayer (5:15)

This release, Grand Union, is Grand’s first album since signing with the new Blues label. Recorded in Boston, USA. It is produced by Otis, who is also renowned for his High-value production work on Blues recordings. In Grand Union, Otis Grand has created a powerful guitar recording by inviting his long time friends Anson Funderburgh and Debbie Davies to participate in a TRIOLOGY style CD concept. The album also features the finest musicians from the USA, and includes special guests Sugar Ray Norcia, Tony Coleman and the BB King Horn section, and rare appearance by legendary R&B star Ike Turner on 2 tunes.

Grand Union reflects Otis Grand’s new approach to his latest recording in that he did not want this to be just another Otis Grand release (9 CD’s to date). Since he was invited to participate on the highly acclaimed "Great Guitars" recording by Joe Louis Walker, Otis has been consumed by expanding the project to a totally live guitar recording with his partners in the studio playing together at the same time . "All our playing is first take. It’s got that spontaneous feeling of the moment that is really the magic of playing the blues."

It was planned well in advance. Otis grand began calling musicians and assembling a common ground of songs that all guitarists felt comfortable with. These songs combine a dynamic mixture of Blues, southern soul, rocking R&B and big band influences. Whether Otis is bending, Anson is caressing or Debbie is burning every note from their guitars, the result is an innovative and fresh addition to blues. Grand / Funderburgh / Davies are so good on this release it’s scary, making this another veritable blues guitar ‘ear-gasm’ that will please all audiences across the musical divides.

Grand Union

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Peter Ward - Train To Key Biscayne

Source: Lossless Digital Copy
Size: 101,8 MB
Time: 43:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front

01. The Luther Johnson Thing (Feat. Luther Johnson, Sugar Ray Norcia & Anthony Geraci) (4:18)
02. A Westerly Sunday Night (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia) (3:44)
03. When You Are Mine (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia) (4:53)
04. Train To Key Biscayne (Feat. Johnny Nicholas) (2:41)
05. I Saw Your Home (Feat. Michelle Willson) (4:55)
06. Blues Elixir (Ronnie's Here) (Feat. Ronnie Earl & Sugar Ray Norcia) (4:06)
07. Supposedly (2:58)
08. Change (Ain't Never For The Good) (Feat. Johnny Nicholas, Sugar Ray Norcia & Anthony Geraci) (3:28)
09. As Long As I Have A Chance (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia & Anthony Geraci) (2:59)
10. Coffee Song (Feat. Michelle Willson) (3:29)
11. Something Always Slows Me Down (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia & Anthony Geraci) (4:29)
12. Anthony's Son (1:07)

TRAIN TO KEY BISCAYNE is an exciting followup to Peter Ward's debut release, BLUES ON MY SHOULDERS which garnered rave reviews upon its release in 2017.
Ward, former guitarist for the Legendary Blues Band (Pinetop Perkins, Willie Big Eyes Smith, Calvin Jones and Jerry Portnoy) wrote 12 new blues, ballads and retro-style rock n roll — all with a fresh sound and '50s flavor.
Before they brought Peter into the band, the Legendary Blues Band were the guys who backed the great Muddy Waters. Hitting the road with those cats was like Blues 101 as the band crisscrossed the country in a van, traveling hundreds of miles each day to perform to delighted audiences at night. Peter learned then how to play a brand of unhurried unadulterated blues. Prior to that, Peter backed Jimmy Rogers, Junior Wells, Joe Beard, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Lowell Fulson, Louisiana Red and Sunnyland Slim. His blues philosophy is in finding an original way to play blues within a traditional framework.
TRAIN TO KEY BISCAYNE opens with a tribute Peter wrote to his hero, Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, the former Muddy Waters guitarist. It's a song about Luther's own life. The album features Peter's friends, the renowned Ronnie Earl on guitar, Michelle "Evil Gal" Willson, Johnny Nicholas and Sugar Ray Norcia, all on vocals, and Peter's brother Mudcat on bass. Also appearing are Neil Gouvin on drums, Anthony Geraci on piano and the aforementioned Norcia on harp — all of the legendary Sugar Ray & the Bluetones — former John Copnlee keyboardist Hank Walther on piano, George Dellomo on drums, Bob Berry on bass, Aaron Gratzmiller on saxophone, Jiri Nedoma on piano and Keith Asack on bass and guitar.
The songs reflect joy, sadness, humor and everything in-between.
"Coffee Song," sung by Willson, is about serving piping hot coffee and pancakes in bed to the person you care about without worrying who does how much for whom. There's a story about road rage "Something Always Slows Me Down," persistence and love "When You Are Mine" and the journey we dare take to revive a friendship "Train to Key Biscayne."
Ronnie Earl called the record inspiring and Peter thinks his fans will like this album! He hopes to reach a wider audience with this new release.

Train To Key Biscayne

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Anthony Geraci - Why Did You Have To Go

Size: 140,7 MB
Time: 60:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Piano Blues, Electric Blues
Art: Front

01. Why Did You Have To Go (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia & Monster Mike Welch) (3:37)
02. Don't The Grass Look Greener (Feat. Sugaray Rayford, Kid Ramos & Monster Mike Welch) (3:12)
03. Fly On The Wall (Feat. Willie J. Laws, Jimi Bott, Willie J. Campbell & Kid Ramos) (3:54)
04. Angelina, Angelina (Feat. Sugaray Rayford, Monster Mike Welch, Willie J. Campbell & Jimi Bott) (6:25)
05. Long Way Home (Feat. Sugaray Rayford, Kid Ramos, Willie J. Campbell & Jimi Bott) (3:10)
06. Two Steps Away From The Blues (Feat. Michelle 'Evil Gal' Willson & Monster Mike Welch) (3:31)
07. Time's Running Out (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia, Ronnie Earl & Monster Mike Welch) (5:17)
08. Baptized In The River Yazoo (Feat. Willie J. Laws) (5:16)
09. Too Many Bad Decisions (Feat. Dennis Brennan & Monster Mike Welch) (4:06)
10. What About Me (Feat. Michelle 'Evil Gal' Willson, Brian Templeton & Monster Mike Welch) (3:47)
11. Hand You Your Walking Shoes (Feat. Dennis Brennan & Monster Mike Welch) (3:41)
12. My Last Good-Bye (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia, Ronnie Earl & Monster Mike Welch) (9:16)
13. A Minor, Affair (Feat. Kid Ramos, Willie J. Campbell & Jimi Bott) (5:09)

It’s been said often that one’s reputation is determined by the people one picks as friends and collaborators. If true, then count Anthony Geraci as one well respected musician. Geraci has spent most of the last four decades climbing into the rarified air of the blues. In the nascent days of the 1970s Boston blues scene, Geraci learned from keyboard mentors like David Maxwell, Ron Levy, and Al Copley who thrived in the New England blues scene back in the early 1970s. Next, Geraci was the first to play keys with Ronnie Earl’s Broadcasters and Sugar Ray Norcia’s Bluetones. Throughout the decades, Geraci’s dedication to mastering the intricacies of the blues piano burned in his soul, which led to Geraci searching out elders in the genre like Pinetop Perkins and Henry Gray to assimilate the traditions into modern outlooks.
The most important lesson Geraci absorbed is surrendering the individual to the will of the music. In all his previous recordings, especially his 2015 critically acclaimed Fifty Shades Of Blue (Delta Groove,) Geraci understands the artistic power of sharing the spotlight with an all-star cast of backing musicians.
"Why Did You Have To Go" follows that same blues print. Each song features Geraci enlisting an outstanding cast of artists to paint his musical landscapes. Geraci’s West meets East blues features past members of the Mannish Boys – Kid Ramos (guitar), Willie J. Campbell (bass), Jimi Bott (drums), Sugaray Rayford (vocals)– on five tunes while the Bluetones – Monster Mike Welch (guitar), Troy Gonyea (guitar), Sugar Ray Norcia (vocals), Michael Mudcat Ward (bass), and Neil Gouvin (drums) – blend with New Englanders Ronnie Earl (guitar), Michelle “Evil Gal” Willson (vocals), Brian Templeton (vocals), Dennis Brennen (vocals), Marty Richards (drums), Sax Gordon (sax), Doug Wolverton (trumpet) on six tunes. Including Geraci, count how many Blues Music Awards and nominations this talented roster has amassed. The real fun comes when Geraci shuffles the players from each coast to ignite the session.
Most exciting is the reunion of the original Sugar Ray and the Bluetones on Geraci’s “My Last Goodbye.” At nearly ten minutes of unhurried, emotional blues, the song spotlights Earl’s sharp phrasing combining with Geraci’s tight, Chicago blues keyboard lines that crest to stirring crescendos that ebb and flow into fresh musical vistas. The Bluetones also reunite on the up-tempo “Time’s Running Out.”
The unexpected surprise is the after hours testifyin’ on “Baptized In The River Yazoo,” an intimate duet featuring Texan blues force Willie J. Laws bearin’ witness to Southern folk lore as Geraci’s lonely piano floats out of cotton field churches.
In his performance of various piano styles, Geraci presents listeners with a concise history of the piano in American roots music. From New Orleans-styled R&B – “Long Way Home” – to stylish West coast – “Angelina, Angelina” – to Texas organ trio – “Don’t The Grass Look Greener” – to Chicago blues – “My Last Goodbye” – to the more modern Blue Note inspired “A Minor, Affair” – Anthony Geraci is right in step with his blues. ~Art Tipaldi – Editor, Blues Music Magazine

Why Did You Have To Go MP3
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Various Artists - Blues Harmonica Spotlight

Blues Harmonica Spotlight focuses on New Orleans label's generous array of blues-harp talent. /AllMusic

Album: Blues Harmonica Spotlight
Year: 1992
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:04
Size: 120,2 MB
Styles: Harmonica blues
Scans: Front

1. The James Harman Band - Wake Up Call (2:37)
2. Darrell Nulisch & Texas Heat - Love And War (3:34)
3. Sam Myers & Anson Funderburgh - My Love Is Here To Stay (3:33)
4. Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers - 4811 Wadworth (5:37)
5. Mike Morgan & The Crawl Feat. Lee McBee - I Don't Want You Hanging Around (2:09)
6. Sam Myers w. Snooks Eaglin & Anson Funderburgh - Bombastic (4:05)
7. Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters Feat. Sugar Ray - My Home Is A Prison (5:16)
8. The James Harman Band - Mad About Somethin' (4:40)
9. Mike Morgan & The Crawl Feat. Lee McBee - Big D Shuffle (2:31)
10. Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers - Back Door Man (5:23)
11. Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters Feat. Kim Wilson - Ridin' In The Moonlight (4:07)
12. Sam Myers & Anson Funderburgh - Hep Cats In Big Town (4:54)
13. Lee McBee & Mike Morgan - Sweet Lolita (3:32)

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Sugar Ray Norcia - Sweet & Swingin'

Year: 1998
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:56
Size: 103,9 MB
Styles: Harmonica blues & other styles
Scans: Full

1. Jack She's On The Ball (2:51)
2. You Better Move On (4:49)
3. Need My Baby (5:41)
4. Tomorrow Night (4:04)
5. Lost Mind (3:20)
6. It's A Low Down Dirty Shame (4:17)
7. Love, Life And Money (5:27)
8. You Better Change Your Way Of Loving (4:05)
9. Money, Marbles And Chalk (4:20)
10. My Sweet Love Ain't Around (2:26)
11. No Good Woman (3:32)

After fronting Roomful Of Blues for a half dozen years, Sugar Ray Norcia released this solo collection of tunes that range from bar-band favorites to material he claims he always wanted to record. Far from being just a retro blues album, Norcia digs deep and comes up with nice versions of Arthur Alexander's "You Better Move On" (one of two songs featuring the Jordanaires doing backups), Hank Williams' "My Sweet Love Ain't Around," Lonnie Johnson's "Tomorrow Night" and Jimmy Rogers' "Money, (Marbles and Chalk)."

Blues lovers are rewarded with the more-to-form renditions of "Love, Life and Money," "It's A Low Down Dirty Shame," Big Walter Horton's "Need My Baby" and Pee Wee Crayton's "You Better Change Your Way of Loving." An odd collection of tunes and styles that somehow holds together nicely. /Cub Koda, AllMusic

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Otis Grand - Nothing Else Matters

Year: 1994/2003
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:54
Size: 147,8 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Scans: Full

1. Finish Line (4:38)
2. Careless Living (4:54)
3. No Reason (4:05)
4. 5 To 99 Blues (3:27)
5. Mother-In-Law Blues (4:48)
6. Marginal Man (5:19)
7. Looking For A New Baby (4:19)
8. Things I Forgot To Do (5:01)
9. Waiting For The Hard Times To Go (7:45)
10. Coldburn (The Master's Gone) (2:59)
11. All Night Long (4:23)
12. Common Sense (3:17)
13. Days Of Old (2:43)
14. You Win, I Lose (3:30)
15. Looking Good (2:39)

While British blues guitarist Otis Grand’s albums have received critical acclaim in Europe, somehow they slipped through the cracks in the U.S. market. Originally released in 1994, Nothing Else Matters was reissued in 2003 as part of the Sanctuary Blues Masters series. On this date, Grand pays tribute to guitar hero T-Bone Walker; Grand’s original composition, “5 to 99 Blues,” employs Walker’s famous riffs and he performs sincere covers of “All Night Long” and “Looking Good” from the Magic Sam catalog.

Lending a hand on the disc are Curtis Salgado and Sugar Ray Norcia, who split vocal duties; the House of Blues Horns; and Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, who blows harp and sings on his self-penned track, “Things I Forgot to Do.” Nothing Else Matters is an enjoyable modern blues date that’s not afraid to celebrate vintage influences. /Al Campbell, AllMusic

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Sugar Ray & The Bluetones - My Life, My Friends, My Music

Size: 142,0 MB
Time: 60:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2007
Styles: Harmonica Blues, Modern Electric Blues
Art: Front & Back

01. Oh, Babe (3:06)
02. Little Green Talking Frog (4:19)
03. I Want To Be With Her (4:36)
04. You Better Change Your Ways (2:49)
05. Money Talking Mama (4:54)
06. Shut Your Face (5:42)
07. I Don't Know (2:56)
08. No Sorrow No More (3:11)
09. The Last Words Of A Fool (4:06)
10. Oh, Oh, Oh, Pretty Baby (3:56)
11. Do Your Remember (3:41)
12. Think It Over Again (5:46)
13. I Like My Baby's Pudding (3:41)
14. My Last Affair (3:43)
15. Until The Real Thing Come Along (3:46)

Sugar Ray Norcia is well respected on the blues circuit for his contributions to electric Chicago blues, but he has had a fondness for jump blues for some time -- and on My Life, My Friends, My Music, the singer/harmonica player pleasantly surprises us by making jump blues and early R&B (of the jazz-influenced, pre-soul, pre-James Brown variety) the main course. Norcia doesn't stay away from Chicago blues altogether on this 60-minute CD; he is in fine form on Big Maceo Merriweather's "Do You Remember?" and Sonny Boy Williamson's "I Don't Know," both of which were written by singers who epitomized blues in the Windy City. Nonetheless, jump blues and early R&B certainly dominate the album. Norcia and his skillful Bluetones open My Life, My Friends, My Music with a passionate, hard-swinging performance of Louis Prima's "Oh, Babe," which sets the tone of the disc -- and Norcia's celebration of jump blues and early R&B continues with inspired originals such as "The Last Words of a Fool," "Shut Your Face," the Charles Brown-ish "Think It Over Again," and the goofy "Little Green Talking Frog." Another memorable, jazz-influenced highlight of My Life, My Friends, My Music is Norcia's version of "Until the Real Thing Comes Along"; the expressive Norcia has no problem giving this well-known standard the type of earnestness it needs, and his obvious awareness of the influence that jazz (especially swing) had on early R&B in the mid- to late '40s and early '50s (just before the dawn of rock & roll) is a definite plus. My Life, My Friends, My Music is an excellent addition to Norcia's catalog and is among his best releases. ~Review by Alex Henderson

My Life, My Friends, My Music

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The Red Wagons Blues Band - Jumpin' With Friends

Year: 2012
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:54
Size: 154,9 MB
Styles: Jump blues, R&B
Scans: Full

1. Huckleboogie (Feat. Igor Prado) (3:11)
2. Big Mamou (Feat. Junior Watson, Sax Gordon Beadle) (4:19)
3. My Baby's Quit Me (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia) (3:48)
4. Let's Get High (Feat. Junior Watson, Sax Gordon Beadle) (5:23)
5. All Of My Life (Feat. Lynwood Slim) (3:51)
6. Party Girl (Feat. Igor Prado) (5:26)
7. Congo Mombo (Feat. Junior Watson, Sax Gordon Beadle) (2:59)
8. Blue Light Boogie (Feat. Mitch Woods) (5:06)
9. Mess Around (3:50)
10. Girl From Idaho (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia) (2:53)
11. I Want A Little Girl (4:42)
12. Jump With You Baby (Feat. Lynwood Slim) (3:19)
13. Kidney Stew (Feat. Sugar Ray Norcia) (5:25)
14. I Want To Love Somebody (Feat. Igor Prado) (5:56)
15. Hey Bartender (Feat. Mitch Woods) (3:45)
16. Chicago Cha Cha (Feat. Junior Watson, Sax Gordon Beadle) (2:55)

In their musical research, The Red Wagons Blues Band intend to look for and recall the sound and rhythms of the black R&B of the 40's and 50's in an explosive mixture of boogie, jumpin' blues, rock 'n' roll and swing by pursuing the ideals that animated that fabulous era.

Besides their own compositions, The Red Wagons' repertoire borrows and re-elaborates, in an original way, songs of artists such as Louis Jordan, Ray Charles, Louis Prima, Buddy Johnson, Percy Mayfield, etc. The band usually performs in the most important festivals and clubs in Italy, often featuring Mitch Woods, Herbie Goins and the Chicago blues singer Deitra Farr. They have also performed with Junior Watson, Sugar Ray Norcia and Sax Gordon Beadle.

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Maurizio Pugno - 2 albums: Kill The Coffee / That's What I Found Out

Album: Kill The Coffee
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:05
Size: 146.7 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[2:54] 1. The Lion's Den
[4:34] 2. Funny What Happens (When The Old Man's Not Around)
[5:06] 3. I Like It Like That
[4:05] 4. Kill The Coffee
[4:05] 5. On Down The Trail Again
[5:03] 6. Tronfy The Weeper
[4:20] 7. Blue Soul
[3:20] 8. Drownin' On Dry Land
[2:59] 9. Big Party At My House Tonight
[5:37] 10. Pray For Me
[3:01] 11. Grey Matters
[5:42] 12. Not Me
[2:56] 13. From Norcia To Gubbio
[5:23] 14. The Key
[4:53] 15. Wishy Washy

Electric guitarist Maurizio Pugno is yet another Italian bluesman who, like contemporary peer Enrico Crivellaro, is making inroads on the American and international scenes. Working with singers, harmonica players, and co-songwriters Mark DuFresne or Sugar Ray Norcia, Pugno presents these originals solidly cast in the tradition of urban or traditional uptown blues. Pugno is not as distinctive as the outstanding Crivellaro, but moves in deliberate ways, and uses his very talented vocalists to showcase a broader range of styles. You hear classic shuffle, swing, two instrumentals, South Side Chicago sounds, and even a little Tex-Mex blended in. Norcia is a great singer as heard on his six features with Pugno, and adds his tasteful harmonica to the swing blues "Funny What Happens," the outstanding rocker "Big Party at My House Tonight," and the big-city shuffle title track. Where Sugar Ray's voice is a slight bit deeper, DuFresne has more of an edge in a higher range. Also playing a bit of harp for the southwestern tango "On Down the Trail Again," DuFresne mixes it up more on the soul ballad "Pray for Me" and the bompity-bomp jungle blues "Grey Matters." Pugno's twangy guitar takes center stage sans the singers for the rock swing jam "Tronfy the Weeper" and works with Sugar Ray's harmonica on the shortie "From Norcia to Gubbio." Kill the Coffee is easy enough to enjoy, especially for purist blues lovers who are looking for a new star to champion like Pugno. Having killer bluesmen like DuFresne and Norcia along for the ride on this fine album would never diminish his music on any level. ~Michael G. Nastos

Kill The Coffee

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Album: That's What I Found Out
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:16
Size: 172.3 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[4:55] 1. Opening Act
[4:17] 2. That Crazy Girl Of Mine
[4:50] 3. Bite The Dust
[4:32] 4. Keep On Sailin'
[5:24] 5. When My Father Met Charlie's Uncle
[4:31] 6. It Must Be You
[4:48] 7. That's What I Found Out
[3:42] 8. A Mind To Give It Up
[4:45] 9. I Love You Baby
[5:34] 10. Take It All Back Baby
[3:45] 11. Oh Louise!
[3:59] 12. Fine Long Legs
[4:57] 13. Black Angel
[3:38] 14. I Love The Life I Live
[6:15] 15. The Preacher
[5:16] 16. White Bear (Lakota Man)

MAURIZIO PUGNO – Lead and Rhythm Guitars, band leader and arrangements; SUGAR RAY NORCIA - Vocals and Harmonica; ALBERTO MARSICO - KeyB Organ and Piano; LUCIO VILLANI - Upright Bass (on Theatre sessions except tracks 1. and 15.); GIO ROSSI – Drums (on Theatre sessions); MIRCO CAPECCI - Electric Bass (on Studio sessions); GIULIANO BEI – Drums (on Studio sessions); PAOLO CECCARELLI - Rhythm Guitar on track 12; RICO MIGLIARINI – Harmonica on 9; DAVIDE DAL POZZOLO – Tenor Sax on 5; MIRKO PUGNO - Trumpet; GIORDANO PALAZZARI - Trombone; TIZIANO FIORITI - Tenor Sax; SIMONE CRINELLI - Baritone Sax. Tracks 1. 2. 6. 7. 10. 12. 13. 14. and 15. recorded at Gubbio Theatre, Gubbio (PG) Italy, July 25th 2006. Tracks 3. 4. 8. 9. and 11. recorded at Be-Bop Studio Recording, Gubbio (PG) Italy, July 27th , 2006; Track 5. recorded at Be-Bop Studio Recording, Gubbio (PG) Italy, April 15th , 2005.

The Blues is a universal language. This is a concept that is commonly understood and widely practiced, yet still seems to escape the grasp of the blues media and fans alike here in the U.S.
The international blues scene is populated with talented and accomplished players the whole world over, but this fact has yet to fully penetrate the market here in the States. It's not a completely foreign idea... think back to the 60's when the British invasion was in full swing. Young artists from the U.K. such as Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, the Rolling Stones and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers featuring Eric Clapton were in complete awe of legendary American blues icons such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Slim Harpo, Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker and Freddy King. It wasn't until artists abroad had absorbed those sounds and started feeding the music back to the American public at large that we actually began to appreciate what we had in our own backyard.

Today a similar situation has developed. Young musicians in countries as far off as Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France and Italy have studied and assimilated both of yesterday's and today's American blues artistry, extracting the very best that each has to offer. Listen closely and you can hear the influences of Jimmie Vaughan, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Earl, Alex Schultz, Kid Ramos, Kirk "Eli" Fletcher, Junior Watson and Hollywood Fats. Artists that for the most part, now struggle to make a living in an American culture that currently embraces electronically fabricated music, hip hop beats, and manufactured pop stars.

Hopefully now with the release that you currently hold in your hands, all that's about to change. Recorded mainly at the Gubbio Theatre in Italy, this project is the vision of Italian blues guitarist Maurizio Pugno, and features an overwhelming assemblage of talent. Maurizio has long been a part of the Italian blues scene contributing his abilities and expertise to the Rico Blues Combo for the past 10 years with history dating back even further in the Wolves Blues Band prior to that.

For this recording Maurizio collaborated with one of America's premiere blues vocalists, Sugar Ray Norcia, whose musical resume includes work with Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters, Roomful Of Blues, as well as his own celebrated band, the Bluetones. Not merely relegated to sideman duties, Maurizio generously allows room for Sugar to step into the spotlight, contributing all of the albums lyrics and vocals, in addition to supplying his masterful tone and technique on the harmonica. Alberto Marsico, who has previously lent his expertise to Italy's very own blues elite including Egidio "Juke" Ingala and Enrico Crivellaro, is featured throughout on piano and Hammond B3, along with the stellar rhythm support of upright bassist Lucio Villani and drummer Gio Rossi. Members of Maurizio's current band, the Rico Blues Combo featuring Rico Migliarini on harp, Mirco Capecci on electric bass and Giuliano Bei on drums, provide additional support. The final icing on the cake is the full horn section consisting of Davide Dal Pozzolo on tenor sax, Mirco Pugno on trumpet, Giordano Palazzari on trombone, Tiziano Fioriti on tenor sax and Simone Crinelli on baritone sax. With the identifiable American blues talent of Sugar Ray Norcia helping to lead the way, perhaps this release can find a home into the hearts of the American blues audience, educating them about the amazing talent brewing oversees, while in the process also allowing us to learn to appreciate the talent we have living right back here at home. ~Jeff Scott

That's What I Found Out

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Peter Ward - Blues On My Shoulders

Size: 117,9 MB
Time: 50:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Chicago Blues
Art: Front

01. She Took It All (3:08)
02. Which Hazel (3:10)
03. Blues On My Shoulders (3:16)
04. Collaborate (4:55)
05. Shiprock (2:36)
06. What Can I Do To You (3:10)
07. It's On Me (4:23)
08. Southpaw (4:09)
09. A Little More (5:17)
10. On The Ropes (3:08)
11. Colletta (3:38)
12. Kansas City Blues (4:23)
13. Drummin' Willie (4:58)

Guitarist Peter Ward announces his new CD, Blues on My Shoulders, on Gandy Dancer Records. Besides Ward on guitar and vocals, special guests on the new disc include multiple Blues Music Award-winning guitar legend Ronnie Earl, Sax Gordon Beadle on sax and the members of Sugar Ray and the Bluetones: Sugar Ray Norcia (vocals and harmonica), “Monster” Mike Welch (guitar), Anthony Geraci (piano), Michael “Mudcat” Ward (Peter’s brother – bass) and Neil Gouvin (drums).

“It pleases me to present Blues on My Shoulders, my first solo project,” Peter Ward says about the new album. “I wrote the words and music to 12 of the 13 songs. I grew up wearing out the vinyl records trying to understand how Robert Jr. Lockwood, Tiny Grimes, Louis Meyers and Jimmy Rogers made songs sound so good. It’s what I wanted to do. I was lucky to sit in often with my friend (and former roommate) Ronnie Earl and play alongside many of my musical heroes. A highlight was touring with the Legendary Blues Band: Joe Willie ‘Pinetop’ Perkins, Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith, Calvin ‘Fuzz’ Jones and Jerry Portnoy, who had brilliantly backed Muddy Waters for years. The way they played blues was everything I believed in, then and now. Willie Smith was an inventive drummer — and a wily character. I pay tribute to him in the song, ‘Drummin’ Willie.’ The track ‘Which Hazel’ is my homage to Chuck Berry. Sugar Ray Norcia honored me by singing the heck out of ‘Collaborate,’ a tribute to Lockwood and Lonnie Johnson. I appreciate that Ronnie Earl and Sax Gordon Beadle accepted my invitation to perform on two songs: ‘A Little More’ and ‘It’s On Me.’ ‘Southpaw’ is my ode to lesser-known left-handed swing guitarist Dickie Thompson, who worked with organist and front man Wild Bill Davis. My instrumental, ‘Shiprock,’ reminds me of a hallowed part of Navajo country I visited with my wife Mai Cramer, who died of breast cancer in 2002 and previously hosted a popular blues program every weekend for 24 years on WGBH-FM. She was an avid supporter of the blues and its purveyors. I think she would have liked Blues on My Shoulders. I hope you do.”

As a teenager growing up in Lewiston, Maine, Peter and his brother Michael (“Mudcat”) listened intently to blues records and went to see Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Taj Mahal and Hubert Sumlin whenever they performed in the area. Peter played blues with Mudcat and did gigs also with his younger brother Jeff, who died in 1991. “Jeff was too young to drink, but club owners would let him in so he could play bass with New York City drummer Ola Dixon and me,” Ward recalls.

Ward later moved to Boston and played in various bands, frequently sitting in with Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, who then featured his brother and Ronnie Earl, and backed blues artists such as Jimmy Rogers, Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson and Lowell Fulson. ~by Mark Pucci Media

Blues On My Shoulders

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Little Anthony & Sugar Ray - Take It From Me

Size: 129,5 MB
Time: 55:10
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1994
Styles: Harmonica Blues, Piano Blues
Art: Full

01. Take It From Me (4:41)
02. Girl From Idaho (3:17)
03. Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide (5:49)
04. Look Like Twins (5:25)
05. Ja-To-Mi (2:12)
06. Dark Road (5:51)
07. Must Have Been The Devil (3:15)
08. Worried Life Blues (4:23)
09. Runnin' Round (2:43)
10. Hard Hearted Woman (4:45)
11. Let Me Live (3:56)
12. Danger Zone (8:47)

As I'm Sitting in the House of Blues on this cold winter Monday with English blues giant Otis Grand, drummer Neil Gouvin and west coast singer Curtis Salgado, Curtis is suggesting thai I should not write generic liner notes. Well, there's nothing generic about Anthony and Sugar Ray! Ever since their early days together with Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, through their later work with Ronnie Rarl and the Broadcasters, Sugar Ray Norcia and Little Anthony Geraci have shared a special musical chemistry that has kept their blues vital and fresh.

So sit back, enjoy this album, and welcome these gentlemen into our homes. Anthony and Ray, you don't just play the blues, you are the blues!

Take It From Mea

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